NOW PLAYING

Apple, Samsung vow to fix flaws after CIA hack report

Agency allegedly produced more than 1,000 malware systems to infiltrate and take control of targeted electronics.

09 Mar 2017 02:49 GMT

WikiLeaks alleges devices such as smart TVs are being targeted by the CIA [Kevin Lamarque/Reuters]

Apple and Samsung have vowed to quickly fix any vulnerabilities in their products following WikiLeaks' disclosure of an alleged CIA hacking arsenal capable of breaking into iPhones and other devices.

The archive claims to show the CIA exploiting weaknesses it discovers in hardware and software systems - without informing manufacturers of the flaws in question.

"While our initial analysis indicates that many of the issues leaked today were already patched in the latest iOS, we will continue work to rapidly address any identified vulnerabilities," Apple said in a statement.

"We always urge customers to download the latest iOS to make sure they have the most recent security updates."

WikiLeaks exposes alleged CIA hacking programme

Samsung offered a similar response.

"Protecting consumers' privacy and the security of our devices is a top priority at Samsung," a statement from the South Korean electronics giant said.

"We are aware of the report in question and are urgently looking into the matter."

WikiLeaks claims the documents it released on Tuesday are part of a vast trove of leaked CIA documents, tools and code representing "the majority of its hacking arsenal".

The CIA would neither confirm nor deny the documents were genuine.

However, "the American public should be deeply troubled by any WikiLeaks disclosure designed to damage the Intelligence Community's ability to protect America against terrorists and other adversaries," a CIA spokesman said in a statement.

"Such disclosures not only jeopardise US personnel and operations, but also equip our adversaries with tools and information to do us harm."

According to the documents, the CIA has produced more than 1,000 malware systems - viruses, trojans, and other software - that can infiltrate and take control of target electronics.

US intelligence and law enforcement officials said on Wednesday they have been aware since the end of last year of a security breach at the CIA and were focusing on contractors as the likeliest source of documents being passed on to WikiLeaks.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Reuters news agency they believed the documents were authentic.